Tampa Edges Win in OT Thriller

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The No.3 University of Tampa women's basketball team survives an intense overtime thriller in a conference matchup. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final Score: No. 3 University of Tampa Spartans 84, Eckerd College Tritons 79

Records: Tampa (24-1, 16-1 SSC), Eckerd (20-4, 15-2 SSC)

Location: McArthur Center | St. Petersburg, FL

All-Time Series: The Spartans win today extends the win streak to three, as Tampa now leads the all time series 83-20.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st QUARTER

Both teams came out intense to begin the game, as Eckerd tried to get an early lead after capitalizing off of the Spartans' mistakes. Tampa would not back down however, as Melijah Sullivan drove to the paint with a layup, starting a 6-0 run for the Spartans. A back and forth quarter would end off with two triples for the Spartans from Sarah Jones and Audrey Ramsey, giving the Spartans a five point lead. Score: 21-16 (Tampa)

2nd QUARTER

Tampa began to pull away from the Tritons to start off the second quarter, raising the lead to 12 after a Mya Giusto three pointer. Eckerd climbed back though, going on a 10-2 run to close the lead to four. Tampa closed out the half forcing the Tritons into a turnover, as Giusto gave the Spartans two more to end the first half. Score: 42-33 (Tampa)

3rd QUARTER

The Tritons came out in the second half and played up to their name, charging at the lead with three straight triples and a pair of free throws. Putting both teams level at 44 with seven minutes remaining in the quarter. The Spartans found their groove late in the third quarter, pulling away from Eckerd to give them a comfortable lead. Score: 56-48 (Tampa)

4th QUARTER

Tampa opened the quarter with a Giusto jumper, looking to put the Tritons to bed. Eckerd would not go down without a fight, making a last ditch effort to get back into the game. The Tritons would make three straight three point shots to close the distance to within five. After a pair of free throws by Jones, two more Triton threes pushed the Spartan's lead to one. After missed free throws by Tampa, a shooting foul sent Eckerd to the foul line with 11 seconds left, the Triton player made both to send the game into overtime.  Score: 70-70 (Tie)

Overtime

The Spartans got off to a bad start to begin overtime, after Eckerd's 5-0 run to begin overtime; Sydney Kim drove to the basket for a contested layup. Followed by a Ramsey steal leading to a three pointer of her own to put the game tied at 77. Tampa was sent to the charity stripe three times to end the game, putting the game to rest in a close victory for the Spartans. Score: 84-79 (Tampa)

 INSIDE THE STATS

• Five Spartans finished in double-digits: Sydney Kin (24), Audrey Ramsey (20), Mya Giusto (14), Sarah Jones (13), and Melijah Sullivan (13)

• Kin recorded a double double tonight with 24 points and 13 rebounds

• Every Spartan on the court recorded a positive plus minus

BEYOND THE BOX

• Three Spartans played all 45 minutes of the game: Audrey Ramsey, Mya Giusto, and Sarah Jones

• Tampa shot an impressive 55.6 percent minutes of the game

• Tampa recorded 21 points off turnovers

NEXT UP: The Spartans travel back home to Tampa to take on Nova Southeastern this Saturday at 2:00 p.m.